License in two states?

[melissamae002]

I am currently an RN in Minnesota but want to get my WI/compact license. I’m unsure of where I want to work in WI but would like to get a head start on it all. Once my WI license gets approved, am I able to still work in MN until I figure out where to work in WI? Is there a grace period or is it okay to have two active license in two different states? MN is not currently a compact state. thanks!

[beachgirl17]

Melissamae002, I do not know specific details about being licensed in MN and WI, but it is likely possible. I do currently hold two licenses, one in a non-compact state and another in a compact state. Hope this helps. ?

[River&MountainRN, ADN, RN]

As far as I'm aware, you can have as many licenses in as many states as long as you keep them up. For example, I have my MA license and I'm still practicing in MA even though I just got my NH license.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

In order to have a compact license, you must reside in a compact state. Otherwise, that license is good only for that specific state. As long as your license in MN is still active, you will be able to work in MN. I live in a non-compact state; therefore, my license is good only for the state I live in. If I wanted to work in the neighboring state that is in the NLC, I would have to apply for a license from that state. Even though the state is a member of the compact, because I'm not a resident that license isn't a compact license.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

I took the boards in MA, but took my first job in DC. At one point I had MA, DC, MD and VA licenses simultaneously.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

You’d have to move to WI for it to be a compact lisence. Otherwise, it would only be a single state license. You would be able to work in both states as long as you keep both licenses active.

[Overcast]

To piggy back this...is it possible to move out of state and get a new license by endorsement if my school was not ACEN accredited? The BSN school was, but the RN school was only regionally accredited and approved by the board of nursing

[Monkey Nurse, ASN, RN]

To the OP,

I'm echoing what was said- if you don't have residency in a compact state, you only get a single state license for that state. I worked federal and had a compact state license but once I established residency in another state, I had to convert my license to a non-compact.

[Monkey Nurse, ASN, RN]

2 hours ago, Overcast said:

To piggy back this...is it possible to move out of state and get a new license by endorsement if my school was not ACEN accredited? The BSN school was, but the RN school was only regionally accredited and approved by the board of nursing

When licensing by endorsement, you just need to have a current active license in the state you came from which you achieved by passing the NCLEX. My original nursing school was also not accredited by the major agencies. It was pending accreditation and then failed and ceased to exist. >.<

[Overcast]

3 minutes ago, Monkey Nurse said:

When licensing by endorsement, you just need to have a current active license in the state you came from which you achieved by passing the NCLEX. My original nursing school was also not accredited by the major agencies. It was pending accreditation and then failed and ceased to exist. >.<

Oh wow....ok thank you!!!

May I ask of you had any trouble finding a job considering the school was not ACEN accredited and no longer exists?

[EllaBella1, BSN]

Even in a compact state you don't always hold a compact license unless you specifically apply/pay for one. I hold licenses in NY and FL, and my FL license isn't compact because I was licensed here before was a compact state. When I renewed last it automatically renewed as a single state license. I would have had to pay more/indicate that I wanted a compact license if I wanted that. Not sure if it's that way everywhere.